Getting caught in an "acivation" loop.

[Guest]

I recently put together an extra computer for specialised use at home, and
installed my legally purchased copy of XP Home onto it. All went OK for a
few weeks until a few days ago where a small window appeared during boot-up
telling me to ACTIVATE Windows XP within the next 4 days.

The 4th day has lapsed. Now the computer asks the following question
.........."This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft before can
log on. Do you want to activate Windows now?". I click YES

Then a bigger widow comes up saying .........." Windows is already
activated, click OK to exit ". I click OK

Then my login prompt appears again, I click to login, and the same process
begins, asking the same question about activating Windows. I am stuck in the
loop. Would somebody please advise.

Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately purchased copy
of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at home ? The small
instruction booklet that comes with the product says (on page 5) says that
you can install Windows XP on only one computer. .........they've got to be
joking haven't they ?

 

[Rock]

I recently put together an extra computer for specialised use at home, and
installed my legally purchased copy of XP Home onto it. All went OK for a
few weeks until a few days ago where a small window appeared during boot-up
telling me to ACTIVATE Windows XP within the next 4 days.

The 4th day has lapsed. Now the computer asks the following question
........."This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft before can
log on. Do you want to activate Windows now?". I click YES

Then a bigger widow comes up saying .........." Windows is already
activated, click OK to exit ". I click OK

Then my login prompt appears again, I click to login, and the same process
begins, asking the same question about activating Windows. I am stuck in the
loop. Would somebody please advise.

Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately purchased copy
of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at home ? The small
instruction booklet that comes with the product says (on page 5) says that
you can install Windows XP on only one computer. .........they've got to be
joking haven't they ?

Nope, they are not joking - one license, one computer.

 

[Richard Urban]

One copy of Windows = one operating system. Sorry. You can afford multiple
computers - buy multiple copies of the operating system! You can always
install an older version of Windows that you possess on the second computer
and be legal!

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recently put together an extra computer for specialised use at home, and
installed my legally purchased copy of XP Home onto it. All went OK for a
few weeks until a few days ago where a small window appeared during boot-up
telling me to ACTIVATE Windows XP within the next 4 days.

The 4th day has lapsed. Now the computer asks the following question
........."This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft before can
log on. Do you want to activate Windows now?". I click YES

Then a bigger widow comes up saying .........." Windows is already
activated, click OK to exit ". I click OK

Then my login prompt appears again, I click to login, and the same process
begins, asking the same question about activating Windows. I am stuck in the
loop. Would somebody please advise.

Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately purchased copy
of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at home ? The small
instruction booklet that comes with the product says (on page 5) says that
you can install Windows XP on only one computer. .........they've got to be
joking haven't they ?

You'll need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer
on which you install it.

Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating
systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it
is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine
final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP
licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that
Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism,
Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult)
multiple installations using a single license.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Al Smith]

Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately purchased copy

of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at home ? The small
instruction booklet that comes with the product says (on page 5) says that
you can install Windows XP on only one computer. .........they've got to be
joking haven't they ?

LOLOLOLOL! Yes, you'd think they were joking, wouldn't you? I
certainly would. But they are *not* joking! The joke is on anybody
who pays attention to the silly EULA.

 

[kurttrail]

I recently put together an extra computer for specialised use at
home, and installed my legally purchased copy of XP Home onto it. All
went OK for a few weeks until a few days ago where a small window
appeared during boot-up telling me to ACTIVATE Windows XP within the
next 4 days.

The 4th day has lapsed. Now the computer asks the following question
........."This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft
before can log on. Do you want to activate Windows now?". I click YES

Then a bigger widow comes up saying .........." Windows is already
activated, click OK to exit ". I click OK

Then my login prompt appears again, I click to login, and the same
process begins, asking the same question about activating Windows. I
am stuck in the loop. Would somebody please advise.

Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately
purchased copy of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at
home ? The small instruction booklet that comes with the product says
(on page 5) says that you can install Windows XP on only one
computer. .........they've got to be joking haven't they ?

http://microscum.com/mmpafaq/

If you know how to protect you right to your copy of software, it really
is a joke.

Oh, and try the procedure at the link below, it might help get you out
of the loop.

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/915cda5ac782ecd7?hl=en

Don't let the silly little MicroSycophants bother you. They think a
proven corporate criminal has the right to tell them what they can and
can't do in their homes. Just leave them in their Brave New MicroWorld
of Conformity!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Winux P]

Not joking Ogden (and not funny) and they (MS) state you can't, doesn't mean
you can't do it though and still get updates from the MS website if you want
to. Depends on what and how you tell product activation. Just remember, a
criminal is one that gets caught and convicted, until then you've out
smarted them. No one will know or come knocking on your door if you do
install on both computers. Or you can just purchase a general OEM, some
places will sell you one just by purchasing a USB cable off them.

-Winux P

:I recently put together an extra computer for specialised use at home, and
: installed my legally purchased copy of XP Home onto it. All went OK for a
: few weeks until a few days ago where a small window appeared during
boot-up
: telling me to ACTIVATE Windows XP within the next 4 days.
:
: The 4th day has lapsed. Now the computer asks the following question
: ........."This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft before can
: log on. Do you want to activate Windows now?". I click YES
:
: Then a bigger widow comes up saying .........." Windows is already
: activated, click OK to exit ". I click OK
:
: Then my login prompt appears again, I click to login, and the same process
: begins, asking the same question about activating Windows. I am stuck in
the
: loop. Would somebody please advise.
:
: Question - Am I allowed to legally install my legitimately purchased
copy
: of XP Home edition on both of my personal comptuers at home ? The small
: instruction booklet that comes with the product says (on page 5) says that
: you can install Windows XP on only one computer. .........they've got to
be
: joking haven't they ?
:
:

 

[Morituri-|-Max]

Don't let the silly little MicroSycophants bother you. They think a
proven corporate criminal has the right to tell them what they can and
can't do in their homes. Just leave them in their Brave New MicroWorld of
Conformity!

So I take it you don't use windows then? If you do, then you're aiding and
abetting the guy you called a criminal and you're just as guilty as he is.

 

[kurttrail]

So I take it you don't use windows then?

Obviously, you are too stupid to figure it out for yourself!

If you do, then you're
aiding and abetting the guy you called a criminal and you're just as
guilty as he is.

Who did I call a corporate criminal, other than Microsoft? Is a
corporation a "guy?"

And I am sure as hell not aiding and abetting Microsoft!

Who am I trying to help in this thread? MS or the OP?

Who is helped by my website? Not MS, that's for sure!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Richard Urban]

OK I just got to stir the pot a bit. You ARE using Outlook Express and
therefore a Microsoft operating system (-:

Maybe the gent has a point after all.

Me! I am trying to learn Linux but am finding it difficult. So, I will just
stick with Microsoft and be thankful for their fine software.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[kurttrail]

OK I just got to stir the pot a bit. You ARE using Outlook Express
and therefore a Microsoft operating system (-:

Duh! But which OS was I using before? How much did I pay for it? Is
Activation disabled on it? Is the same copy installed on more than one
computer? What OS am I using now? How much did I pay for it? Is
Activation disabled on it? Is that copy installed on more than one
computer?

So you see, you really don't know who I am aiding and abetting! All you
know is that I'm using a MS OS.

Maybe the gent has a point after all.

LOL! And how do you know he/she/it is a gent?! Looks like a surrender
monkey to me! And what point? That Microsoft is a guy? I'm sure the only
point he has is on top of his tiny monkey pinhead!

Me! I am trying to learn Linux but am finding it difficult. So, I
will just stick with Microsoft and be thankful for their fine
software.

I can't even get any of the Live CD versions of Linux to boot on my
computer!

And while MS software is OK for now, their licensing schemes are for the
birds, and as soon as Linux is able to handle my multimedia setup MS
software is going bye-bye! It's a good thing I know how to ignore MS's
licensing claims for now! ;-) And I try to help any individual ignore MS's
licensing claims for their own private non-commercial use. So who am I
supposed to be aiding and abetting again? MS? PMSL!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone for your keen response. This is what I see.....

Urban wrote ..........â€You can always install an older version of Windows
that you possess on the second computer and be legal!â€

and Al Smith said (amongst other advice) ......†The joke is on anybody who
pays attention to the silly EULA.â€

And, Winux P said..........." Not joking Ogden (and not funny) and they (MS)
state you can't, doesn't mean you can't do it though and still get updates
from the MS website if you want to. Depends on what and how you tell product
activation. Just remember, a criminal is one that gets caught and convicted,
until then you've out smarted them. No one will know or come knocking on your
door if you do install on both computers. Or you can just purchase a general
OEM, some
places will sell you one just by purchasing a USB cable off them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My instinct tells me to try one of the above, either try and install my copy
on both computers. (I'll probably need the help of a professional to do
that), or install an older version of Windows. I also understand that
Windows XP CAN be loaded onto another computer as it does no have an
activation requirement (I can borrow a copy of this).

If I can dig out my old Windows 98 CD, I'll install it, however, ......is
Windows 98 compatable with most of today's softwear, aspecially the music
programs like Limewire, Microsoft Media Player, Nero Express, MSN Messenger.

 

[Al Smith]

OK I just got to stir the pot a bit. You ARE using Outlook Express and

therefore a Microsoft operating system (-:

Maybe the gent has a point after all.

Me! I am trying to learn Linux but am finding it difficult. So, I will just
stick with Microsoft and be thankful for their fine software.

"Thank you, Mr. Gates. May I have another?" *OUCH!*

 

[Richard Urban]

Hey guy! If Linux was easier..................

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Al Smith]

If I can dig out my old Windows 98 CD, I'll install it, however, ......is

Windows 98 compatable with most of today's softwear, aspecially the music
programs like Limewire, Microsoft Media Player, Nero Express, MSN Messenger.

Windows 98, though a great OS for a long time, is slipping into
history. In my opinion, it no longer makes sense to install it on
a computer, unless you have a special need, such as the ability to
run an older game that will not run properly on Windows XP.

If you want to stay legal, you might buy a generic OEM version of
Windows XP (identical in every respect to a full retail version).
You can get it with the purchase of hardware, such as a bag of
screws or a mouse. This will be tied to the first computer you
install it on, and you are not supposed to install it on a second
computer.

Another way to go legally is to buy a used full retail copy over
E-Bay, but you need to be careful, since you don't want to get a
used OEM version by mistake, or you are as screwed technically as
when you started.

 

[kurttrail]

Hey guy! If Linux was easier..................

Better watch out, the LinTrolls are in the house!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Scott]

Just a thought, but instead of limiting the OS to one computer, why
couldn't MS just limit it to one user. If it is activated then a
personal password were to be sent to MS during activation, and future
installations of that same OS would require the password. It seems to
me that there has to be a better, more user friendly system that would
still protect the OS developer.

 

[kurttrail]

Just a thought, but instead of limiting the OS to one computer, why
couldn't MS just limit it to one user. If it is activated then a
personal password were to be sent to MS during activation, and future
installations of that same OS would require the password. It seems to
me that there has to be a better, more user friendly system that would
still protect the OS developer.

People would just give the password to their friends, and family members
outside of their household.

MS would just be better off acknowledging an individuals right to "fair
use." Copy-protection ends up protecting the copyrighted material from
those that have every right to use the software, and just gets more and
more people longing for the day when Linux will be a true multimedia
desktop replacement for Windows.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Scott]

This may be true, but how many "hacked" copies are there out there
now, because people just won't buy 2 or 3 sets of the very same
software to run different computers? My guess...LOTS...lol

 

[Guest]

Thank you Al Smith. The discussion surrounding this little issue has been
interesting (to say the least). I have a pretty good idea which way to go
now.

Regards

Ogden